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What is a MAC Address?
Every device connected on a network has a Media Access Control (MAC) address, that uniquely identifies it. MAC addresses are assigned by device manufactures.
The MAC address is tied to the Network Interface Controller (NIC), a sub component of the larger device. The NIC is where you make your physical connection to the network, by plugging in an Ethernet cable or connecting to a Wi-Fi signal.
What does a MAC address look like?
The MAC address is a 12-digit hexadecimal number that is most often displayed with a colon or hyphen separating every two digits (an octet), making it easier to read. The values are 0 through 9 and A through F.
Example: A MAC address of 9f08ba184763 is typically displayed as 9f:08:ba:18:47:63 or 9f-08-ba-18-47-63.
Can a device have more than one MAC address?
Yes. For each network interface in your device, there is a unique MAC address associated with it. If laptop has both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi built-in, you will see two MAC addresses in the system configuration.
How do I find my MAC address?
In general, you will find MAC addresses in the system settings, general information, or network settings/status of your device. Occasionally, the MAC address is printed on a label affixed to the bottom of a device.
It is important to note that manufacturers sometimes use different names to describe the MAC address, such as Hardware ID, Physical Address, Wireless ID, Wi-Fi Address, etc.
Procedure
Windows Computers
- Press Start + R on your keyboard
- In the Run window, type in cmd and click OK
- At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all and hit Enter
- The MAC address for each interface will be listed as Physical Address
- For wired interfaces, look for the term Ethernet or Gigabit in the name or description
- For wireless interfaces, look for the terms Wireless or Wi-Fi in the name or description
Mac Computers
- Open System Preferences
- Click on the Network icon
- Select the interface you wish to use, then click Advanced...
- The MAC address is listed under the Hardware tab
Chromebooks
- Sign in to your Chromebook
- At the bottom right, select the time
- Select the Wi-Fi network that you are connected to
- Below the ip address. Click on Network
- Scroll down to bottom and you will see the MAC address
Apple iPhone
- From a Home screen on your Apple® iPhone®, navigate: Settings
- Tap on General
- Tap About
- View the MAC address (displays in the Wi-Fi Address field)
Android Phone
- On the Home screen, tap the Menu button and go to Settings
- Tap About Phone
- Tap Status or Hardware Information (depending on your model of phone)
- Scroll down to see your WiFi MAC address.
Roku Players
Tip: Some models have the MAC address printed on a label on the bottom of the device.
- From the Home screen, select Settings
- Select Network
- Select About
- The MAC address is displayed on the right side under Ethernet MAC address
Apple TVs
Tip: Some models have the MAC addresses printed on the UPC label on the product packaging.
- From the main screen, click on Settings
- Select Network
- The MAC addresses will be displayed next to Ethernet Address or Wi-Fi Address
Amazon Fire TV
- From the Home screen, scroll to the right and select Settings
- Select My Fire TV
- Select About
- Select Network
- The MAC addresses should be displayed on the right side
Amazon Echo
- Open the Alexa app
- Select the top left navigation menu
- Choose Settings
- Select Device Settings
- Select Echo Dot from the list
- Scroll down to the bottom and choose About
- The address should be listed at the bottom of the screen. It will be 12 characters long
Smart TVs
Due to the large amount of makes and models available, we are unable to list specific instructions. Please consult your TV's owner manual or contact your manufacturer for assistance. You can also try searching online for "[tv brand] smart tv support", however we've included the most popular brands below:
Samsung Support
LG Support
Sony Support
TCL Support
Vizio Support
Nintendo Switch
- From the Home screen, select System Settings
- Select Internet
- For wireless connections
- Select Internet Settings
- Scroll to the very bottom to see the MAC address
- For wired connections (assumes USB LAN adapter and TV dock)
- Select Internet Settings
- Select Wired Connection
- The MAC address should be displayed at the bottom
Playstation 3 (PS3)
- Power on your PS3 without a disc
- From the home screen, select Settings
- Select Network Settings
- Select Settings and Connection Status List
- Scroll down to see the MAC addresses
Playstation 4 (PS4)
- Power on your PS4 without a disc
- Bring up the toolbar and select Settings
- Select System
- Select System Information
- The MAC addresses should be displayed on screen
Playstation 5 (PS5)
- From the main screen, select Settings (gear icon)
- Select Network
- Select Connection Status
- Select View Connection Status
- The MAC addresses should be displayed near the top of the page
Xbox 360
- From the Xbox Dashboard, scroll to settings and select the System tile
- Select Network Settings
- Select the interface your wish to use. then click Configure Network
- Select the Additional Settings tab
- Select Advanced Settings
- The MAC address should be listed on the left-hand side
Xbox One
- Go to My Xbox from the Xbox Dashboard and select Settings
- Select Network
- Select Advanced Settings
- The MAC addresses should be listed on the right-hand side
Xbox Series X/S
- Press the Xbox button on your controller
- Select Settings under the Profile & System section
- Highlight General and select Network Settings
- Select Advanced Settings
- Select IP settings
- The MAC addresses should be listed on the right-hand side